Drink Up

WHY : It's doubtful that many people are getting rich in the Ontario wine industry, and you can't blame a business for taking advantage of any trend that might improve the bottom line. But are cheesy-looking boxes containing weak wine really going to help? FYI: the Merlot is the best of the four Out of the Box products.

PRICE : 1,000 ml/$12.95

AVAILABILITY : At most LCBO outlets (product #16287)

Above $15

WHAT : Segura Viudas Aria Estate Brut (sparkling white)

Rating: NNNN

WHERE : Penedes, Spain

WHY : Here's a great wine for getting drunk on. It's deliciously fruity and very gulpable in a champagne kind of way, with a pleasing poof!-where'd-it-go? finish. For a perfect third date, try candlelight and a bottle or two of Aria. You'll both be hitting the high notes.

PRICE : 750 ml/$17

AVAILABILITY : At selected LCBO outlets (product #311241)

Sips and Nips

WHAT : Mill Street Tankhouse Ale

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WHERE : Toronto

WHY : Some microbreweries, in their efforts to embody quality and individuality, end up with eccentric, unbalanced beers. Tankhouse avoids this pitfall. It is aggressively hopped, but the quality of the malt keeps everything even. An eminently drinkable ale from the Distillery District.